News Releases

BURNABY, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Aug. 21, 2012) -

Editors Note: There are two photos associated with this press release.

The U11 Burnaby Girls Sparks are in the running to be named BMO Team of the Week 2012 Champion and win the grand prize, which includes $125,000 to upgrade their community soccer pitch.

The winning team will also win a road trip to see a Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Montreal Impact or Canadian National Team home game and a $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice. Canadians can log on to BMOsoccer.com to cast their vote. The team with the most number of votes will be the BMO Team of the Week 2012 Champion.

"The Sparks have demonstrated real talent, but are always looking to improve," said David Oliver, Head Coach of the Burnaby Girls Sparks. "Their creativity, energy, and sheer joy for both soccer and non-soccer-related activities are what make it so easy and such a privilege to coach this team."

Within the past year, the team's dedication has gone beyond the soccer pitch and into the community. One of the team's biggest charitable efforts was a fundraiser that raised $1,000 for the Salvation Army's Adopt-A-Family program.

If the Sparks are named the BMO Team of the Week 2012 Champion, BMO will make a $5,000 donation on their behalf to the Michael Cuccione Foundation, which raises funds for Childhood Cancer Research.

About BMO Team of the Week

From April 2 to July 13, Canadian soccer coaches and parents were invited to nominate their favourite soccer team by logging on to www.BMOsoccer.com.

A panel of judges selected a weekly winner and each BMO Team of the Week received $500, track suits and a gift to a charity of their choice. The final weekly winner was announced July 25.

Canadians can vote for their favourite BMO Team of the Week until August 27.

The 2012 BMO Team of the Week Champion will be announced on September 5.

To view the photos associated with this press release, please visit the following links:

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120820-BurnabyBMO1LG.jpg

http://www.marketwire.com/library/20120820-BurnabyBMO2LG.jpg